40 Days Study Plan for GMAT Data Insights | How to prepare for GMAT PDF Download

Introduction

The GMAT Data Insights section tests your ability to analyze and interpret complex data in various forms, such as tables, graphs, and multi-source reasoning. This 40-day study plan is designed to help you master these areas by breaking down each chapter into manageable tasks with enough time for both practice and revision. 
By the end of this plan, you'll be equipped with the skills and strategies to handle every type of question in the Data Insights section confidently.

40-Day GMAT Data Insights Plan (Days 1-25)

Days 1-5: Mastering Data Sufficiency

• Day 1-2: Understand the fundamentals of Data Sufficiency, focusing on evaluating statements and identifying sufficiency conditions.
• Day 3-5: Practice 15–20 basic Data Sufficiency questions. Focus on improving accuracy, understanding why certain statements are sufficient, and refining strategies for eliminating incorrect answers.

Days 6-10: Building Skills in Multisource Reasoning

• Day 6-7: Learn how to interpret and extract relevant information from multiple sources, including charts, graphs, and written passages.
• Day 8-10: Practice 15–20 Multisource Reasoning questions. Focus on analyzing each source efficiently and answering questions based on multiple data points.

Days 11-15: Exploring Table Analysis

• Day 11-12: Understand how to interpret sortable tables and identify trends, patterns, and relationships within the data.
• Day 13-15: Practice 15–20 Table Analysis questions. Focus on drawing meaningful insights from tables, and work on increasing speed while ensuring accuracy.

Days 16-20: Developing Graphical Interpretation Expertise

• Day 16-17: Learn how to interpret bar graphs, line charts, scatterplots, and pie charts. Understand how to extract the necessary data from each graph type.
• Day 18-20: Practice 15–20 Graphical Interpretation questions. Focus on quickly identifying key information in various types of graphs and charts.

Days 21-25: Strengthening Two-Part Analysis Skills

• Day 21-22: Study how to approach Two-Part Analysis questions that require dual responses, including both quantitative and verbal elements.
• Day 23-25: Practice 15–20 Two-Part Analysis questions. Focus on strengthening logical connections and refining your approach to both parts of the question.
  

Review and Practice Tests for Data Insight (Days 26-40)

Days 26-35: Sectional Test and Targeted Review

• Day 26-27: Take a full-length sectional test 1 (30–35 questions) covering all chapters to simulate real exam conditions.
• Day 28-30: Review the test results thoroughly. Focus on revisiting weak areas identified from the test, and practice additional questions to reinforce those areas.
• Day 31-32: Take a full-length sectional test 2 (30–35 questions) covering all chapters under time so as to analyze the real exam speed of problem-solving.
• Day 33: Review your performance in the practice test, identify weak spots, and focus on correcting mistakes.
• Day 34-35: Work on advanced problem-solving, focusing on difficult questions from all chapters to refine skills and strategies.

Days 36-40: Final Prep 

• Day 36-37: Focus on revising difficult concepts and solving 20–25 mixed questions daily. Aim to cover all types of problems encountered in the Data Insights section.
• Day 38: Take another full-length mock test to assess overall readiness, focusing on pacing and accuracy.
• Day 39: Review the results of Mock Tests, identify any final areas for improvement, and make last-minute adjustments to strategies.
• Day 40: Final review of key strategies and techniques. Focus on relaxation, ensuring you are mentally prepared for the actual exam.

Tips and Tricks for GMAT Data Insights Success:

• Time Management: Learn to identify and skip questions that are taking too long. Prioritize questions you can answer quickly, and leave more time for harder ones.
• Process of Elimination (POE): In Data Sufficiency and Two-Part Analysis questions, use POE to eliminate incorrect answers and increase your chances of finding the right one.
• Focus on Accuracy: Speed is important, but accuracy is paramount. Ensure that you understand the logic behind every answer you choose.
• Look for Patterns: Many questions in Data Insights follow common patterns. Once you’ve practiced enough, you’ll start recognizing these and be able to apply the right strategies faster.
• Practice with Timed Conditions: Simulate real test conditions by taking practice tests under timed constraints. This will help you build stamina and improve pacing for the actual exam.
• Review Mistakes: After each practice session, carefully review your mistakes. Understanding why you made them will help you avoid similar errors in the future.